“Internet Gives Teenage Bullies Weapons to Wound From Afar”
Summary: The New York Times ran an article highlighting the transition of bullying from traditional vehicles to online vehicles. Some noteworthy points raised include the seeming tendency for online methods to heighten bullying brutality, the suggestion that adults too may be subject to moderating effects of online mediums, and the implications of bullying within formats that often leave records of the bullying.
Discussion Questions: 1. In your experience, does more bullying take place through the Internet than face-to-face? 2. Is it easier to tease someone or be mean when you do not have to see the hurt expression on your victim’s face or when you think your identity is anonymous? 3. Have you ever said or posted something online that you later regretted? 4. Did you know that you can get in more trouble for bullying through the Internet than in person because the conversations or emails can be tracked as evidence? 5. Do you think parents and teachers are more oblivious to Internet bullying? 6. What do you think is the most popular forum for bullying: instant messenger, blogs, websites like MySpace or Facebook, email, or something else?
Summary: The New York Times ran an article highlighting the transition of bullying from traditional vehicles to online vehicles. Some noteworthy points raised include the seeming tendency for online methods to heighten bullying brutality, the suggestion that adults too may be subject to moderating effects of online mediums, and the implications of bullying within formats that often leave records of the bullying.
Discussion Questions:
1. In your experience, does more bullying take place through the Internet than face-to-face?
2. Is it easier to tease someone or be mean when you do not have to see the hurt expression on your victim’s face or when you think your identity is anonymous?
3. Have you ever said or posted something online that you later regretted?
4. Did you know that you can get in more trouble for bullying through the Internet than in person because the conversations or emails can be tracked as evidence?
5. Do you think parents and teachers are more oblivious to Internet bullying?
6. What do you think is the most popular forum for bullying: instant messenger, blogs, websites like MySpace or Facebook, email, or something else?